Norwegian diplomat thanks Duterte for efforts to secure release of nabbed national

Yesterday, June 24, President Duterte and Norwegian Ambassador Erik Forner met after the former and the freed Abu Sayyaf victim, Marites Flores, met. The latter was released in front of Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II's house in Jolo, Sulu around 4:30 am on June 17 (according to intelligence reports obtained by Rappler) and was picked up by the incoming peace process adviser Jesus Dureza from Jolo who brought her to Davao City to meet Duterte.

The peace process adviser said that freeing Marites was Abu Sayyaf's "act of goodwill".Duterte and Fornerrendesvouz at Panacanang [dubbed as Malacanang of the South in the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways)] compound in Panacan, City of Davao.As shown in a video aired by Radio TV Malacañang to media on Friday, Mr. Erik Forner told Duterte that he is "very thankful" for what Duterte is doing to secure the release of Abu Sayyaf hostage, Sekkingstad, who remains the only victim alive from the September 2015 Samal Island kidnapping aside from the recently released Flores.

(Must Read: Breaking News: Abu Sayyaf frees Filipina hostage)The terrorist group beheaded the other two Canadian hostages, John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, after the ransom deadline had passed.According to Flor, Sekkingstad hopes that Norwegian government do its best to secure his release adding "He really needs help.... I am so sorry Kjartan is not here".She told media though that the Abu Sayyaf still plans to kill him if P600 M ransom money gets vetoed.Watch related video below: